Cohort study of Young Girls' Nutrition, Environment, and Transitions (CYGNET)

The epidemiologic project is entitled “Cohort study of Young Girls’ Nutrition, Environment, and Transitions (CYGNET).” This project is focused on understanding the determinants of pubertal maturation in girls. We know that there has been a trend of puberty occurring at younger ages, and early puberty is a risk factor for breast cancer. Of particular interest is whether exposure to various chemicals in the environment results in earlier puberty. Also, since greater body fat is known to increase the likelihood of early puberty, we are examining developmental and lifestyle factors such as changes in weight, physical activity patterns, and food intake. Additionally, we are also examining whether genetic and psychosocial factors influence early puberty and interact with environmental exposures. Through this study, we hope to better understand whether there are important, unrecognized factors that result in early puberty and may place girls at increased risk of the future development of breast cancer.